Fez- In a response to campaigns on social media calling for the right to wearing skirts, a group of activists under the name “My Veil Is My Freedom” launched a campaign on Friday demanding their rights for job access and fighting against harassment towards their veil, a personal choice they believe should be respected.
The group aims to gain their legitimate right to compete and be considered for all employment positions devoid of judgment for the veil they wear. As such, the campaign aims to eradicate the “oppression, persecution and injustice to which they are exposed” to as a result of being veiled.
The activists claim that organizations defending women’s rights should also advocate for the right of veiled women if the rights of women is truly a central concern.
According to a statement released on Friday, the activists argue that those who want to wear skirts aren’t the only ones demanding freedom. “We, too, have chosen to cover ourselves, but have faced persecution, oppression, and injustice in our country.”
The post also states that veiled women are “not accepted in Moroccan schools and have a miniscule chance of appearing on television as journalists.” They, however, have yet to engage in public protests.”Who is persecuted? Is it us or those who call for wearing skirts?”
Hind Badad, the leader of the group, told Hespress that the campaign, which has attracted a number of men and women, is a response to the recent campaign calling for the freedom to wear what one wishes, adding that the latter represents a minority group calling for nudity, as opposed to the freedom to wear clothing, including skirts.
Badad said that the campaign’s objective is to inform public opinion that Moroccan women are conservative and that most of them are veiled.
A number of stories have been shared amongst the activists regarding the harassment and the obstacles they’ve faced as veiled women. Fatima, 18, a student from Sale claims that she was ridiculed by her peers on the streets and at school because of the wearing of the Nikab. Others said that they had been denied access to high schools specializing in engineering because of the veil. Another group claim taht they were described as “Daish,” or members of ISIS.
The activists are preparing for a public rally in the near future.
Edited by Marwa Al Omami
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